H - Human. This virus infects human beings.
I - Immunodeficiency. This virus attacks a person's immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against infections, such as bacteria and viruses. Once attacked by HIV, the immune system becomes deficient and doesn't work properly.
V - Virus. A virus is a type of germ too small to be seen even with a microscope.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells are also referred to as CD4 cells.
A - Acquired. This condition is acquired, meaning that a person becomes infected with it.
I - Immuno. HIV affects a person's immune system, the part of the body that fights off germs such as bacteria or viruses.
D - Deficiency. The immune system becomes deficient and does not work properly.
S - Syndrome. A person with AIDS may experience other diseases and infections because of a weakened immune system.
AIDS is not a virus but a set of symptoms (or syndrome) caused by the HIV virus. A person is said to have AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infection, and they develop certain defining symptoms and illnesses. This is the last stage of HIV, when the infection is very advanced, and if left untreated will lead to death.
AIDS/HIV